Cost of Living in Columbia, MD

Population: 105,871 • 2026 Data

$129,173
Median Household Income
+67% vs national
$1,998
Median Monthly Rent
+48% vs national
$480,300
Median Home Value
+42% vs national
4.4%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in Columbia

The median home value in Columbia, MD is $480,300. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,998, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,125.

Rent-to-income ratio: 18.6%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.

Income and Employment

The median household income in Columbia, MD is $129,173. The unemployment rate stands at 4.4%, with a labor force of 60,493 people.

Other Cities in Maryland

Baltimore, MD → Germantown, MD → Waldorf, MD → Silver Spring, MD → Frederick, MD → Ellicott City, MD → Glen Burnie, MD → Gaithersburg, MD →

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov